Page 4 - RVO Basketball Preview Oct 2016

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 | RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE BASKETBALL PREVIEW
CONWAY WAMPUS CATS
Wampus Cats tout know-how this season
BY DONNA LAMPKIN STEPHENS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Two years ago as Will Johnson took the reins of the Conway Wampus Cat pro- gram, he had seven seniors.
Last season, the Wampus Cats paid the price for that previous experience as they had just three seniors, including only one with legit- imate varsity minutes.
But that 2015-16 campaign has resulted in good returning experience for 2016-17 as the Wampus Cats try to advance past the opening round of the Class 7A State Tournament.
“My first year, we had seven seniors who played a lot of minutes, and that set us back last year because that experience is extremely import- ant when facing senior-laden teams,” Johnson said. “This year, we have seven seniors again, but we also have several juniors with experience.
“I think that will be important this year, espe- cially when you add teams like North Little Rock,
[Little Rock] Central, Cabot and [Fort Smith] Northside to the conference.”
Conway finished 14-13 last year, down slightly from the previous season’s 16-10, but improved its conference record from 7-6 to 9-5.
“We finished the season winning our last five conference games,” Johnson said. “We had some momentum heading into state, and that was a credit to our guys coming to work every day and constantly improving. We’re looking forward to this year, and I think the guys will be ready for the challenge.”
Last season ended in the opening round of the state tournament with a 50-40 loss to Springdale.
Johnson, assisted by Brian “Salty” Longing, Nick Harrell and Tommy McMillan, returns two starters: Kendarious Smith, a 6-2 senior guard who has committed to Henderson State in Arka- delphia; and Junior Williams, a 6-0 senior guard.
“Kendarious Smith is our returning leading scorer at 15 points per game overall and 17 points
per game in conference,” Johnson said. “He can really shoot the ball and finish at the rim, but his best attribute to our team is his ability to lead. He leads us on the court and in the classroom.
“Junior Williams is one of our smarter, tough- er perimeter defenders, and he will also be a guy who can make some outside shots.”
Williams was the Wampus Cats’ third-leading scorer a year ago.
Johnson said Smith and Williams would give the Cats good experience at guard. They’ll also look to junior Carson Petrucelli at the point and Brandon Stone, Stuart Lowe, Devin Clark and Jaren Richards to provide good minutes at the guard positions.
“Carson can be a really good passer, and we look for him to bring solid point-guard savvy to our guard play,” Johnson said.
Blake Bradshaw, a 6-7 junior forward, and Travis Obannon, a 6-3 senior forward, look to be the leaders inside.
“Blake is a skilled big who can play inside and out,” Johnson said. “He is a good face-up guy with the ability to pass the ball. Travis has a very good IQ for the game and can play any position, but he is one of our better defenders and rebounders inside.”
He said Gentrell Taylor at 6-6 and Nate Maull at 6-5 would add depth inside.
Smith’s commitment to be a Reddie next year may not be a solitary event, Johnson said.
“We have others who are capable and will be good college players, but none have been offered yet,” he said recently.
Depth is an important team strength.
“Our good depth could allow us to do some things we haven’t been able to do quite as much
MATT JOHNSON/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Conway forward Kendarious Smith takes a shot during a practice.
the past couple of years,” Johnson said. “‘Com- petition’ is probably the most used word in the coaches’ office right now. With that healthy com- petition every day on the practice floor, it’s a grind and a battle for spots.
“Practices have been fun and extremely com- petitive, and we think that is a strength that will, we hope, pay off down the road.”
But, he said, the guards need to understand the importance of every possession, especially in the 7A-Central.
“We have the ability to play fast, but wheth- er it’s a primary break, secondary or we are trying to execute offense, we have to value each possession,” Johnson said. “Valuing every pos- session is something we preach in practice and discuss often.
“I think with the teams we face, you have to make sure that the guards understand the impor- tance of getting something out of each possession. Part of that has to do with players understanding and accepting their roles. When we do that and do it consistently, we will be a better team.”
With the Arkansas Activities Association’s re- alignment cycle for 2016-18, Conway is back to a full Class 7A conference instead of the old 7A/6A blended one. In the 7A-Central, the Wampus Cats will face Bryant, Cabot, Little Rock Catholic,
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